(1863) Copper-Nickel Civil War Store Card F-185A-8d, P. Carle & Son OH

Coin Details

Auction Record

$720 MS63 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

P. Carle & Son of Collinsvil issued this token as emergency currency during the Civil War coin shortage. Ohio's extensive commercial networks across dozens of cities generated an unparalleled body of merchant token issues during the 1862-1864 coin shortage. P. Carle & Son issued 8 die varieties, more than most Civil War merchants. This copper-nickel striking (Fuld 185A-8d) is somewhat scarce among the known varieties. Professional die sinkers like John Stanton, Benjamin True, and William Bridgens supplied dies to merchants across the Northern states. The Civil War small change crisis generated the largest private coinage movement in American history, with merchants and die sinkers producing tokens for circulation. Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce, resembling the federal Indian Head cent in both size and color. Surviving specimens are tangible artifacts of the wartime monetary crisis that affected every commercial transaction in the Northern states.

Rarity Notes

Copper-nickel strikings are moderately scarce compared to pure copper or brass versions. With 8 cataloged varieties, P. Carle & Son was a minor token issuer.

Cross References

Fuld 185A-8d